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Let councils in London develop their own solutions to problems, says group

08 February 2010

LOCAL authorities should be able to choose when to restrict late night drinking in their local areas, London Councils has said.

While London Councils has welcomed the move for councils to be able to impose blanket bans on the sale of alcohol after 3am in entire streets or city centres, it wants local authorities to be allowed to develop local solutions to local problems.

In its Manifesto for Londoners, launched last week, London Councils has called for London boroughs to be given total control over setting boundaries over the extent and scale of late night drinking in their areas.

The manifesto is also calling for regulation on licensing public places to be re-written to define 'classes of public places'. This would mean that lap dancing clubs are not classed with pubs and cafes.

Councillor Mike Fisher, chairman of London Councils transport and environment committee, said: "London is a diverse city and whether you fancy a nice meal, dancing the night away or just a quiet drink there is something for everyone's taste.

"Boroughs listen to the needs of local communities and know what works best in their particular areas.

"Bringing control of licensing down to a local level will strike a balance and allow people to enjoy themselves without spoiling it for others.